The Wonder of Audley Brass Band
Members of a brass band have been using their music to stay connected during the coronavirus pandemic.
Audley Brass Band have not only been having regular online meetings during the past couple of months, but they have also been rehearsing virtually and have recorded their won version of the Elvis song – the Wonder of You.
The members recorded the song which was edited and put together by the band’s Flugelhorn player, Claire Speare and then shared on social media – and is proving to be a hit with around 25k views to date.
Tom Hancock, who is the band’s musical director, said: “We started a WhatsApp group when lockdown was announced so we could all check in on one another. We wanted to do something to stay connected during these times and we have also been hosting a weekly quiz during our normal rehearsal time on a Wednesday.
“I have also been setting the band a weekly practice challenge to try to keep them motivated to not forget about their instrument. So far we have done a hymn tune challenge, a solo competition and everyone has also recorded their own version of the topical song Over the Rainbow.”
https://www.facebook.com/AudleyBrass/videos/2638787753057812/
Tom adds: “The version we did of the Wonder of You was chosen by myself and our drummer Jakob Hill. It is a great song and everyone agreed to record it so we created our own video to share on our Facebook Page.
“The video has been very popular and we are looking at doing more. Music is all about making people happy, and I think we all need a smile during these extraordinary times.”
Audley Brass Band was formed as a Mission Band in 1902 and has 25 brass players and 2 percussionists, plus around 15 players in their Community Training Band aswell as a handful of ‘backroom’ volunteers.
Usual annual performances include the Spring Concert at St James’ Church, in Audley, outdoor concerts at Congleton Park and Goostrey Rose Festival. The band also perform at several ‘Oktoberfest’ events including Hartford Hall and Winnington Park Rugby Club and Christmas concerts at Endon Village Hall and Audley Methodist Church.
The popular band also compete on a regional and national level.
“Earlier this year we were placed fourth of 16 bands at the Midlands Regional Championships in Kenilworth which has seen us promoted to the Second Section for 2021,” says Tom.
“Everyone has been doing really, really well and everyone works hard.
“In 2018 the band qualified for the National Brass Band Championships in Cheltenham for the third time in their history and also performed alongside Audley Male Voice Choir and the University Hospital Choir at the Victoria Hall – Stoke on Trent’s premier concert venue last November. This sold-out event commemorated 100 years since the end of the First World War.”
You can follow Audley Brass Band on Facebook here www.facebook.com/audleybrass
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